Cricinfo overviewAn exuberant batsman, and an incorrigible charmer off the field, Ajay Jadeja entered international cricket with an infectious effervescence that won hearts and matches - but left behind an eerie trail of bookmaker connections and unanswered questions. A protégé of Kapil Dev, Jadeja's natural athleticism, energetic running between wickets, audacious big-hitting and winning smile were made for the floodlit age. His bustling, street-smart batsmanship in the middle and closing overs swung many one-dayers India's way, none more emphatically than the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan, when he blasted 45 off 25 balls. But his obvious vulnerability against genuine pace and swing restricted his Test appearances to 15, and his career was halted in December 2000 by a five-year ban following damaging, though inconclusive, findings in a CBI inquiry on match-fixing. While Jadeja contested the ban, he found an even more glamorous vocation meanwhile: acting. In November 2004 his plea seeking permission to play international cricket was dismissed by the Delhi High Court after no one appeared on his behalf when the petition was taken up for hearing. However, a Division Bench subsequently permitted him to play domestic cricket and Jadeja returned to Delhi, where he was made captain. In September 2005 he took on a double role as captain and coach of Rajasthan. He also dabbles in cricket commentary.
Cricinfo staff (October 2007)